Martin Gallagher

Martin Gallagher has never played for West Ham or England, nor had a number one hit single, but he has worked in the City for many years (for what that's worth). A life-long Londoner, he made the migration from east to west a few years back and is still trying to get used to the absence of fried chicken takeaways and the over abdundance of coffee shops. Martin is married, has three daughters, and is also interested in travelling, football and writing. He hopes to publish his first novel 'sometime in the future'.

LATEST

There is no doubt that we have a national obsession with the sexual indiscretions of others. Newspapers and magazines dedicate hundreds of column inches each week to the predilections of our leaders or their wives, 'celebs', and sportsmen.

Tucked away like a local's secret off of Chiswick High Road, Sam's occupies the interior of a reclaimed paper factory, a bright, modernist space containing both a bar and a brasserie with discrete tables for two as well as larger tables for bigger groups.

Guaranteed to be a hit with fans of political dramas such as the West Wing, director Ron Howard’s adaptation of Peter Morgan’s stage success has Michael Sheen and Frank Langella resurrecting their respective West End and Broadway roles.

Set in a small Canadian town in the grip of winter, this comedy is the story of Lars Lindstrom, a sweet-natured but reticent young man who rebuffs social interaction with his family and colleagues at every opportunity for the seclusion of his flat, in the garage family home, and his computer.

Tucked away on The Cut in SE1, ideal for the Old and Young Vics and the South Bank, this Gastropub has been serving traditional and seasonal British dishes since 2003, and has received a range of accolades and rave reviews along the way.

Set over two floors, The Hoxton Pony is a new and ambitous addition to the Shoreditch / Hoxton scene. It mixes an upmarket cocktail lounge with impressive gastropub fare, complimented by separate DJ’s on both the main dance floor on the lower level.

Last month, Martha Stewart gave an unintended lesson to all those who feel the need to blog or put post on social networking sites. Having attended a private fundraising function, she posted a photo of herself with a very gaunt looking Paul Newman, sparking rumours of his failing health.

The work ethic of Ebenezer Scrooge appears alive and well in Scotland. The Scotsman reports that meat supplier Brown Brothers has recently negotiated a small pay increase with its workforce in exchange for a Dickensian agreement whereby employees only visit the loo at set times.

HOT LIST

Kate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush reprise their BAFTA-winning roles as Elizabeth and Sir Francis Walsingham, with director Shekhar Kapur, in the story of her relationship with Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen), and the Spanish Armada.

President Bush recently revealed his big plans for making money when he retires. "I'll give some speeches to replenish the ol' coffers," says Mr Bush, who estimated to be worth somewhere between $9m and $20m.